U.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.
What You Might Have Missed: Store Closures, Tiffany CEO Leaves
The Jewelers Board of Trade released its full-year data for business closings last year while Tiffany announced that its CEO is out.

New York--The Jewelers Board of Trade’s full-year numbers for business closings in 2016 and the announcement that Tiffany’s CEO was exiting amid lagging sales were the two most popular stories on National Jeweler last week.
1. 1,564 Jewelry Businesses Ceased Operations in 2016
The figure from the Jewelers Board of Trade includes the U.S. and Canada and represents a 64 percent increase over the prior year.
2. Tiffany CEO Frederic Cumenal Is Out
He stepped down, effective immediately, with former CEO Michael Kowalski serving as interim CEO while the jeweler searches for a replacement.
3. Pandora Cut No. of Multi-Branded Retailers by 32% in 2016
In the Americas, the network shrunk by more than 50 percent, including 200 Jared stores that were converted into shop-in-shops.
4. The Malaise of Macy’s
One of Macy’s biggest problems has been its inability to convert Kaufmann’s shoppers, Editor-in-Chief (and Western Pennsylvania native) Michelle Graff wrote.
5. Live from Tucson: 9 Gemstone Market Updates
Gemworld International’s Richard Drucker tackled trends, memo and grading reports for colored gemstones in a seminar at the recently concluded AGTA GemFair.
The Latest

Health monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.

Ten organizations were selected this year.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Kim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.


“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.